Tool for handling hanging basket

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are tools for handling hanging baskets to provide improved ability to handle hanging baskets of different sizes. The tool includes a bowl for holding the hanging basket and a pole or a connector for a pole so that hanging baskets above one&#39;s reach can be handled. The bowl preferably includes one or more support components for supporting the weight of the hanging basket. The bowl preferably includes one or more stabilizing component for reducing or minimizing motion of the hanging basket in the bowl (e.g., while raising or lowering the hanging basket). The bowl preferably includes one or more reinforcing components for reinforcing the bowl (e.g., located near a rim of the bowl and/or near a base of the bowl).

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/525,256 filed on Jun. 27, 2017, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The teachings herein relate to tools for handling plant pots that include a hook for hanging from an overhead pole or hook (i.e., hanging baskets). The tool preferably includes a bowl having a support component for providing support for lifting or otherwise moving the hanging basket. The tool preferably includes a stabilizing component for improving the stability of the hanging basket in the bowl. The stabilizing component preferably includes a feature that increases static friction between the hanging basket and the bowl. Preferably the bowl is suitable for holding a variety of shape and/or sizes of pots.

BACKGROUND

There have been various tools developed for handling hanging flower baskets including:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,768 (Denis) describes a hanging flower basket tool where the basket is supported on the bottom by a single rod and along an edge by a single ring.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,871 (Kirkman) describes a tool for hanging baskets where the basket is only supported by a single gimbaled support ring which pivots during use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,850 (Tickner) describes a tool for installing and removing compact fluorescent lamps. This tool uses grippers that hold the lamp in a fixed position during movement.

US 2009/0014696 A1 (Stone) describes a lifting device for moving a pot that is mounted on its side (i.e., not a hanging basket).

However, there is a need for improved tools for handling hanging baskets. For example, there is a need for a tool that can handle hanging baskets of different size. As another example, there is a need for a tool that is more stable, so that the hanging basket is less likely to tip or fall. As another example, there is a need for a tool that is more durable. As another example, there is a need for a tool that is easier to manufacture and/or offers economic advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more of the aforementioned needs are met with the tools and methods according to the teachings herein.

One aspect of the teachings herein is directed at a tool for handling a hanging basket comprising a bowl for holding the hanging basket including a support component (i.e., support component) that is sufficiently rigid for supporting the hanging basket while lifting or otherwise moving the hanging basket; and a connector component adapted for attaching the bowl to a rod so that an axis of the rod and an axis of the bowl are generally the same. The bowl includes a rim portion near the top of the bowl, a base portion at or near the bottom of the bowl, and one or more middle portions at or near a bottom of the bowl that extend a circumference of the bowl. The bowl preferably includes one or more reinforcing components (e.g., one or more ribs) connecting and reinforcing parallel walls at the rim portion and or one or more reinforcing components (e.g., one or more ribs) connecting and reinforcing a generally vertical side wall of the bowl with a generally horizontal wall of the base portion. The tool preferably includes a stabilizing component for increasing a static friction between the bowl and the hanging basket; and/or applying a compressive force from the bowl to the hanging basket. The tool preferably includes a pole connected to a bottom of the bowl for reaching the hanging basket. The support component preferably is molded (e.g., injection molded) from a polymeric material. The bowl preferably has a circular circumference at the rim and at the one or more middle portions.

One aspect of the teachings herein is directed at a tool for handling a hanging basket comprising a bowl for holding the hanging basket comprising a support component (i.e., support component) that is sufficiently rigid for supporting the hanging basket while lifting or otherwise moving the hanging basket. The bowl preferably includes a stabilizing feature (e.g., stabilizing component). The stabilizing feature preferably functions by increasing a static friction between the bowl and the hanging basket and/or by applying a compressive force from the bowl to the hanging basket. The tool preferably comprises a pole connected to a bottom portion of the bowl for reaching the hanging basket and/or a pole connecting component for attaching a pole to the bowl.

Another aspect of the teachings herein is directed at a tool for handling a hanging basket comprising: a bowl for holding the hanging basket comprising a support component that is sufficiently rigid for supporting the hanging basket while lifting or otherwise moving the hanging basket and a connector (e.g., a connecting component) attached to a bottom of the bowl for connecting the bowl to a pole. The bowl preferably includes a stabilizing feature (e.g., stabilizing component) for increasing a static friction between the bowl and the hanging basket.

Another aspect of the teachings herein is directed at a tool for handling a hanging basket comprising: a first bowl for holding the hanging basket comprising a support component that is sufficiently rigid for supporting the hanging basket while lifting or otherwise moving the hanging basket, a pole connected to a bottom of the bowl for reaching the hanging basket, and preferably a stabilizing feature (e.g., stabilizing component). Preferably the stabilizing feature increases a static friction between the bowl and the hanging basket; and/or applies a compressive force from the bowl to the hanging basket.

Another aspect of the teachings herein is directed at a tool for handling a hanging baskets comprising: a bowl for holding a hanging basket; and a pole connected to the bowl or a pole connector component for connecting a pole to the bowl; wherein the bowl includes a support component for supporting the hanging basket while lifting or otherwise moving the hanging basket, wherein the bowl has a generally vertical axis and one or more shelves (e.g., vertically displaced from a bottom of the bowl) for receiving hanging baskets of different diameters, wherein the one or more shelves are oriented in a generally horizontal direction.

Another aspect of the teachings herein is directed at a tool for handling a hanging basket comprising: a first bowl facing in a first direction (e.g., an upward direction) and a second bowl facing in a different direction (e.g., an opposing direction, such as a downward direction), wherein the bowls have different heights and/or different diameters.

Another aspect of the teachings herein is directed at a kit including two or more interchangeable bowls (e.g., for handling hanging baskets of different size). The bowls preferably have different diameters. Preferably the kit includes a connector component (as a separate component or attached to one or more of the bowls) for connecting one or more of the bowls to a pole.

Another aspect of the teachings herein is directed at a kit including a bowl for handling a hanging basket and two or more interchangeable poles. The poles preferably have different lengths for reaching hanging baskets at different heights. Preferably, the kit includes a connector component for connecting the hanging basket to the bowl. Preferably the bowl includes one or more stabilizing features.

The various aspects of the teachings herein may be further characterized by one or any combination of the following features: the bowl may include a support component includes a metallic material or a polymeric material having a secant modulus of about 100 MPa or more (as measured according to ASTM D 882 at 1% secant in the machine direction); the bowl includes a connection component for attaching the bowl to a pole; the pole includes an externally threaded end, and the tool includes a connection component that is internally threaded for receiving the externally threaded end of the pole; the connection component is positioned at the bottom of the bowl (preferably at the center of the bottom of the bowl); the bowl has a rigid and/or fixed configuration; the bowl has openings for observing the positioning of the bowl around the hanging basket; the bowl has a central axis extending from a center of the bottom of the bowl to a center of the top of the bowl, wherein an angle between the central axis and the length direction of the pole is about 0° to about 30° (e.g., about 0° to about 20°, preferably about 0° to about 10°, more preferably about 0° to about 5°); the pole is connected (preferably rigidly connected) to the bowl so that the angle is generally fixed; the bowl includes a stabilizing component including an elastomeric material (preferably having a flexural modulus of about 90 MPa or less, preferably about 50 MPa or less, and more preferably about 25 MPa or less, as measured according to ASTM D790, 2% secant); the stabilizing component (e.g., the elastomeric material) includes or is a coating or other layer over the support component; the bowl includes a stabilizing component (e.g., the elastomeric material) is over-molded over a support component; the bowl includes a stabilizing component and a support component that are co-molded (e.g., injection molded); the support component includes a wire structure, wherein the stabilizing component covers at least a portion of an interior surface of the wire structure; the bowl and/or a material of the bowl is resistant to impact, UV light, corrosion resistance, or any combination thereof; an extension pole is included so that the length of the pole can adjust by about 15% or more; the bowl includes a stabilizing component including one or more shelves; the bowl includes multiple shelves for receiving hanging baskets of different size; the stabilizing component and or the support component includes one or more raised portions (e.g., proximate to a center portion of the bowl) for receiving a pot having a bottom with a raised portion (preferably, the raised portion has a generally disk shape, with a generally flat top surface and a vertical or an angled side wall); the top surface of the raised portion supports the hanging basket and the side wall of the raised portion stabilizes the hanging basket by limiting any lateral movement of the hanging basket in the bowl; the raised portion mates with a recess in a bottom of the hanging basket; the bowl has a sufficient number of the protrusions extending in a generally vertical direction so that the protrusions cooperatively limit the lateral movement of the hanging basket by contacting a vertical wall of the hanging basket (e.g., a rim wall of the hanging basket, preferably with some protrusion contacting an outward facing surface and other protrusion contacting an opposing surface); the bowl has rotational symmetry or axial symmetry; the tool includes a telescoping pole including two or more, or three or more sections; the tool includes a telescoping pole extending a length of about 1.5 m or more, about 2 m or more, about 3 m or more, or about 5 m or more (preferably about 10 m or less, or about 8 m or less, or about 6 m or less); the stabilizing component includes a surface formed of a material having a coefficient of friction (e.g., in contact with the same material or with a polypropylene homopolymer) of about 0.45 or more, preferably about 0.50 or more, more preferably about 0.55 or more, even more preferably about 0.60 or more, and most preferably about 0.70 or more; the stabilizing component includes a surface formed of a thermoset rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer; the stabilizing component includes a surface formed of a material (e.g., a thermoset rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer) having a Shore A hardness of about 87 or less, preferably about 75 or less, more preferably about 70 or less, and most preferably about 65 Shore A or less; the stabilizing component includes an elastomeric polymer selected from the group consisting of a EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer), a EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), a SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber, typically with styrene blocks and butadiene blocks which may be partially saturated), a BR, an isoprene rubber (polyisoprene), a SBS, an ethylene α-olefin copolymer (E-B, E-O, E-H), or an ethylene copolymers with an acrylate; the stabilizing component includes a surface layer that is attached to or adhered to a wall of the bowl; the bowl has a generally concave interior; the bowl is configured to receive multiple size pots (e.g., pots of hanging baskets), preferably varying in diameter by about 20% or more (i.e., the diameter of the largest pot is 20% greater than the diameter of the smallest pot), preferably about 40% or more, more preferably about 60% or more, and most preferably about 80% or more); the bowl has a sufficient elasticity or has a structure (e.g., convolutes) so that the bowl opens upon contact with the bottom of the pot and exerts a compressive force on the pot at regions of contact; or the bowl includes a first polymeric material having a first hardness and a second polymeric material having a second hardness less than the first polymeric material (preferably, the first polymeric material has a hardness of about 87 Shore A or more, or about 90 Shore A or more).

When the tool or kit includes a first bowl and a second bowl, the various aspects of the teachings herein may be further characterized by one or any combination of the following: the first bowl and the second bowl are attached; the first bowl and the second bowl are separable; the first bowl and the second bowl are connected along a bottom portion; the first bowl and the second bowl face in different directions (e.g., in opposing directions); the first and second bowl have a common axis; each of the first and second bowls has a threaded bore hole; the first and second bowl share a common bore hole (e.g., a common threaded bore hole); the first and second bowls each has a bore hole with the same threading for reversibly attaching a pole through either bore hole; or the first bowl and the second bowl share a common bottom component (e.g., a common connector component).

Another aspect of the teachings herein is directed at a method of handling hanging baskets using a tool having one or any combination of the features taught herein. For example, the method may comprise the steps of lowering a first basket having a first size (e.g., a first diameter) and then lowering a second basket having a second size different from the size of the first basket. In some aspects (e.g., when two or more bowls are provided) the method may include a step of changing the tool so that a different bowl is used for lowering the basket. In other aspects (e.g., when only one bowl is provided) the method may be free of a step of changing the bowl (e.g., where a single bowl is used for handling hanging baskets of different sizes).

Another aspect of the teachings herein is directed at a method of manufacturing a bowl according to the teachings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative drawing of a tool including a bowl and a pole.

FIG. 2A is an illustrative drawing (cross-section) showing features of a bowl including a structural component covered by a stabilizing component.

FIG. 2B is a cross-section of a bowl having a structural component with only portions (e.g., in the interior of the bowl) covered by a stabilizing component.

FIG. 2C is a drawing showing illustrative features of a bowl.

FIG. 3A shows an illustrative pot for a hanging basket.

FIG. 3B are drawings of pots having different sizes that may be used in hanging baskets.

FIG. 4 is a copy of a prior art “hanging basket tool” that consists essentially of a pole attached to the edge of a ring.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of an illustrative tool showing features of a bowl and a pole according to the teachings herein.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, and 6G are drawings showing features of a bowl according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 7. Is a cross-sectional drawing showing illustrative features of a bowl, connector component and pole according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 8. Is a cross-sectional drawing showing illustrative features of a bowl, connector component and pole according to the teachings herein.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are drawing showing illustrative features of a bowl having a raised portion near the center for stabilizing a pot having an indent. and pole according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional drawing showing illustrative features of a bowl, connector component and pole according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional drawing showing illustrative features of a tool including two or more nested bowls.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional drawing showing illustrative features of one approach for attaching the components of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional drawing showing illustrative features of a different approach for attaching the components of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, and 14F are cross-sectional drawings illustrating different size pots being positioned in a tool with a bowl having one or more shelves which function as a stabilizing component.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are cross-sectional views of a wall of a bowl showing illustrative features of a stabilizing component that includes a soft elastomeric material.

FIG. 16A is a drawing showing illustrative features of a dual bowl component having two bowls facing opposing directions.

FIG. 16B is a drawing of a tool including a pole and the dual bowl component of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the dual bowl component of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 18 is a drawing showing illustrative features of using the dual bowl component of FIG. 16A for handling a pot.

FIG. 19 is a drawing showing features of an illustrative attachment between two bowls to form a dual bowl component.

FIG. 20 is a drawing showing illustrative features that may be employed in a rim and/or in a side wall of a bowl.

FIG. 21 is a top view showing of an illustrative dual bowl component.

FIG. 22 is a cut through drawing of FIG. 16A showing a common threaded through-hole for attaching to a pole.

FIG. 23 are drawings of illustrative pots showing illustrative features of hanging baskets that may be used with the tool according to the teachings herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

The teachings herein are related to tools for handling hanging baskets which provide improved strength in handling baskets, and/or improved stability in handling the baskets and/or improved ability to handle hanging baskets of different sizes (i.e., having pots of different sizes), and/or improved ability to economically manufacture one or more components of the tool. Various solutions to these problems are described herein and it will be appreciated that any of these solutions may be employed alone or in combination with other solutions. Preferably, the bowl is sufficiently symmetric so that that tool can be used at any rotational angle about a central axis.

The tool generally includes a bowl component for holding the hanging basket. In use, the bowl should be connected to a pole sufficiently long for reaching the hanging basket and lifting it over a hanger support such as a rod or bracket from which the hanging basket hangs. The pole may be attached to the bowl (e.g., included with the tool) or the tool may be provided without the pole. Preferably, the tool includes a connector component for connecting the pole to the bowl. The connector component may provide a permanent connection or may be a reversible connection for attaching the bowl to the pole. A reversible connection may be particularly useful for multiple reasons including the ability to use multiple sized bowls (e.g., bowls having different maximum diameters), the ability to use different length poles, the ability to switch between a fixed length pole and a variable length pole (e.g., a telescoping pole), the ability to use a double-sided bowl, or the ability to quickly repair a tool having a damaged pole; many of these features are described in more detailed herein.

The bowl should be sufficiently large to hold at least a portion of a hanging basket. Although the pot of a hanging basket may fit entirely in the bowl, it will be appreciated that a significant portion of the hanging basket may extend above a top region (for example an upper rim region) of the bowl. This may be particularly useful when the hanging basket includes plant(s) that overhang the sides of the pot, so that the amount of the plant that is damaged between a wall of the pot and a wall of the bowl is reduced or minimized.

The bowl preferably has an open structure or is made of a generally transparent material so that the positioning of the hanging basket into the bowl can be easily seen from the position of a handler (e.g., located generally below the hanging basket). For example, the bowl may include a series of openings that are sufficiently in size and number so that the hanging basket can be observed as it passes through the top of the bowl and enters the cavity of the bowl. Preferably the bowl has a sufficient number of openings so that the hanging basket can be observed (e.g., by a user) from any angle of rotation of the bowl about an axis of the bowl. The combined area of the openings preferably is about 10% or more, more preferably about 20% or more, and most preferably about 30% or more of the total surface area of the bowl. If the combined area of the openings is too small, it may be difficult to observe the hanging basket entering the bowl. If the combined are of the openings is too high, the walls of the bowl may not provide sufficient strength to support the hanging basket. Preferably the combined area of the openings is about 92% or less, more preferably about 80% or less, even more preferably about 70% or less, and most preferably about 65% or less of the total surface area of the bowl.

The bowl may have a continuous concave surface.

The bowl may have one or more side walls. The following description of the side wall(s) includes the openings in the side wall as part of the side wall. Preferably, the bowl has a single side wall. For example, the side wall may have a cross-section with a horizontal plane that is generally arcuate and/or continuous. Preferably a cross-section of a side wall with a horizontal plane is generally circular. The cross-section of a side wall with a horizontal plane may have a shape that is generally similar to a cross-section of a pot of the hanging basket (e.g., a cross-section with a horizontal plane).

The bowl may be characterized by a central axis (e.g., in a generally vertical direction).

The bowl may have a rotational symmetry. The bowl may have axial symmetry.

The bowl includes a base portion near the bottom of the bowl. The base portion may be a portion of the side wall(s). For example, the side wall of the bowl may slope down towards a central axis of the bowl. The base portion may be a component separate from the side wall(s) and preferably connected to the side wall(s). For example, a base portion may be a generally horizontal component with the side wall(s) extending from the edges of the side base portion.

The bowl may have a rim near a top.

The rim may be reinforced. The rim may be reinforced with multiple layers of material. The multiple layers are generally connected. Two adjacent layers of the multiple layers may be in contact with each other or may be spaced apart. The rim may include two spaced apart layers that are reinforced by a plurality of ribs connecting the spaced apart layer (e.g., below the top of the rim). The ribs preferably are generally vertically oriented walls extending in a generally radial direction from a first wall (e.g., an inner wall) to a second wall (e.g., an outer wall). The ribs are preferably spaced along the circumference of the walls. Preferably the number of ribs is about 4 or more, more preferably about 6 or more, even more preferably about 8 or more, and most preferably about 12 or more.

The bowl may be reinforced near the bottom of the bowl. For example, the bowl may include a plurality of ribs connected to and extending radially inward from a horizontal wall of the bowl. The rib preferably contacts the horizontal wall in a region where the horizontal wall contacts the bottom region (e.g., the bottom wall of the bowl. The rib may be position below the bottom of the bowl, above the bottom or the bowl (i.e., inside the bowl), or both (e.g., some ribs may be above the bowl and some ribs may be below the bowl. If the rib is positioned below the bowl, a side wall of the bowl preferably extends vertically below a plane defined by the bottom of the bowl. Preferably the ribs for reinforcing the bottom of the bowl is a generally vertical wall extending in a radial direction and in contact with both a horizontal wall of the bowl (e.g., above or below the bottom of the bowl) and in contact with a bottom wall of the bowl (e.g., at a top surface or a bottom surface of the bottom of the bowl). The ribs preferably are spaced apart along the horizontal wall. Preferably the number of ribs is about 2 or more, more preferably about 3 or more, and most preferably about 4 or more.

A wall of the bowl may be formed by a plurality of spaced apart parallel horizontal elements (e.g., each having a generally circular circumference in along the horizontal direction) connected by a plurality of vertical elements (e.g., extending at least partially in a vertical direction). The vertical elements may be straight or may be arcuate. The vertical elements may extend from the base portion to a top portion (e.g., a rim portion or most distal horizontal element) of the bowl.

The bowl (e.g., the support structure of the bowl) may be formed of any material or combination of materials capable of providing sufficient support for holding the hanging plant and sufficient stability for handling the pots (e.g., for handling pots of different diameters).

The support structure (i.e., support components) of the bowl may be formed of a polymeric material, a metallic material, a plant-based material, or any combination thereof.

The support structure of the bowl may be formed of a polymeric material capable of molding, preferably via injection molding.

Preferred polymeric materials for the support structure include thermoplastic polymers having a peak melting temperature (e.g., as measured by differential scanning calorimetry) or a softening temperature (e.g., a glass transition temperature as measured by differential scanning calorimetry) of about 50 C or more, more preferably about 80 C or more, even more preferably about 100 C or more, and most preferably about 115 C or more. Preferred polymeric material are generally rigid materials having a secant modulus of about 100 MPa or more (as measured according to ASTM D 882 at 1% secant in the machine direction), more preferably about 150 MPa or more, and most preferably about 200 MPa or more.

Polymers that may be employed for the structure of the bowl include polyolefin homopolymers or copolymers (preferably having a crystallinity of about 30 percent or more, or about 50 percent or more), polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyimides, polystyrenes, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic epoxy resins, blends including one or more of these polymers, or copolymers (e.g., graft copolymers, block copolymers, or random copolymers) including one or more of these polymers.

Metallic materials that may be employed for the bowl include ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals.

Examples of ferrous metals include high carbon steel, medium carbon steel, stainless steel, and other alloys including 50 weight percent or more iron. Preferred non-ferrous metals include aluminum and aluminum alloys having an aluminum concentration of about 50 weight percent or more.

The tool according to the teachings herein may be employed in a greenhouse environment, having temperature, sunlight, and humidity characteristic of a greenhouse. The tool may also be exposed to direct contact with water. Preferably the tool is resistant to corrosion at these conditions. For example, the material for the structure of the bowl preferably is resistant to corrosion. If a material is employed in the structure of the bowl that is not corrosion resistant, the bowl preferably includes a coating or other protective barrier layer to reduce or minimize corrosion of the material.

Pole and/or Connector Component

The tool includes a pole or includes one or more connector features (e.g., connector component) for attaching to a pole. Preferably, the pole is arranged so that the axis (i.e., the length) of the pole is parallel with the central axis of the bowl.

The connector feature may be any feature suitable for securely connecting the pole to the bowl so that the weight of the hanging basket can be transferred to the pole while the pole maintains a generally fixed orientation relative to the bowl. For example, the central axis of the bowl is maintained parallel to the axis of the pole. Preferably the central axis of the bowl is the axis of the pole. The connector feature may permanent connect the pole to the bowl. As used herein, a permanent connection is a connection which cannot be reversed by hand, without use of tools. Preferably the connector feature is a reversible connection feature which can be reversed by hand without the use of any tools. For example, the connector feature may include an internally threaded hole for receiving a threaded end of the pole. As another example, the connector feature may include a quick release clamp, a set screw that is hand tightened, a compression fit, or any combination thereof. As another example, an end portion of the pole may go through the bowl

The pole may have any shape. The pole may be characterized by a length direction and a second direction (e.g., width or diameter) perpendicular to the length direction, and a third direction orthogonal to the length direction and the second direction (e.g., thickness or diameter). Typically, the third direction is the same as or smaller than the second direction. The ratio of the length direction to the third direction preferably is about 25 or more, more preferably about 30 or more, and most preferably about 40 or more. The ratio of the length direction to the second direction preferably is about 400 or less, more preferably about 300 or less, and most preferably about 200 or less. The pole may include one or more features for improving the gripping of the pole by a user. Preferably, the pole may have a gripping region. The gripping region preferably is located in one or more portions along the bottom half of the length of the pole, more preferably along the bottom quarter of the length of the pole. The gripping region may include an elastomeric material. The gripping region may include a region generally contoured to match (e.g., mate with) the shape of the fingers of one hand or both hands. The cross-section of the pole may be generally uniform or may vary along the length of the pole. For example, the cross-section at a length ¼ from the top and at a length ½ from the top of the pole may be the same or may be different.

The pole may have a flange component for supporting some or all of the weight of the bowl and/or the hanging basket. If employed, the flange component is positioned near an end (e.g., a top end) of the pole and below the bowl. A flange component may be permanently or removably attached to the pole. The flange component may function by transferring downward gravitational forces from the bowl to the pole. If employed, the flange component may function as part of the connector component.

The connector component may include an internally threaded component for receiving a threaded portion of a pole. Such a connector component may transfer some or all of the weight of the hanging basket to the pole. For example, the connector component may transfer weight from the threadings of the connector to the threadings of the pole.

Stabilization Feature (i.e., Stabilizing Component)

The bowl according to the teachings herein preferably includes one or more stabilization features. Stabilization features preferably are located or integrated into a side wall of the bowl and or a bottom wall of the ball. The stabilization features preferably are located on an inside surface of the bowl or extend into the cavity of the bowl.

A stabilization feature may be integrated into a connector component. For example, the connector component may include a stabilization feature that fits into a raised portion in the bottom of a hanging basket for reducing the lateral movement of the hanging basket with respect to the connector to the bowl of the tool. The connector component may be

A stabilizing component and a connector component may be attached together. A stabilizing component and a connector component may be co-molded (e.g., co-injection molded), preferably from the same material.

The stabilizing component may be a feature that increases the static coefficient of friction of a hanging basket against a support structure. For example, the stabilizing component may include a layer of a material that increases the static coefficient of the support structure and covers at least a portion of the support structure. A stabilizing component and a support structure (e.g., a support component) may be attached together. A stabilizing component may be a coating or other layer covering at least a portion of a support structure. Preferably, the stabilizing component and the support structure are formed of different materials. The stabilizing component may be applied as a layer over the support component. The stabilizing component may be over-molded over the support component. A stabilizing component and a support structure may be co-molded (e.g., co-injection molded), preferably using different materials. Preferred stabilizing components (e.g., for increasing the static coefficient of friction) include or are formed from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material preferably has a flexural modules of about 90 MPa or less, more preferably about 50 MPa or less, and most preferably about 25 MPa or less, as measured according to ASTM D790, 2% secant. The elastomeric material may be a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoset material. The elastomeric material preferably has a Shore A hardness (durometer) of about 85 or less, more preferably about 75 or less, even more preferably about 65 or less, and most preferably about 55 or less.

The stabilizing component may include a bowl wall having a first wall portion proximate a base of a bowl and a second wall portion generally above the first wall portion and extending towards a rim or other distal portion of the bowl, wherein the second wall portion is separated by the first wall portion by a shelf that is generally perpendicular to the first wall portion, wherein the second wall portion provides a larger opening than an opening of the first wall portion (e.g., a radius of the second wall portion is greater than a radius of the first wall portion).

Bowl with One or More Shelves

The tool may include a bowl with multiple shelves for receiving hanging baskets of different sizes. For example, the bowl may include a shelf at an elevation above the floor (e.g., bottom) of the bowl. Generally. the shelf does not cover the floor of the bowl. For example, the shelf may have an inside radius that is greater than an outside radius of the floor of the bowl. Generally, the shelf has an outside radius that is greater than an outside radius of the floor. The width of the floor may be the distance between the outside radius of the floor and the inside radius of the floor. A bowl may have one or more additional shelves positioned at an elevation above the first shelf. Each successive shelf typically has a higher inside radius and a higher outside radius. When handling a small hanging basket (e.g., having a radius at its bottom that is smaller than the radius of the floor), the hanging basket may rest on the floor of the bowl. However, when handling a second larger hanging basket having a bottom radius between the outside radius and the inside radius of the first shelf, the second hanging basket may rest on the shelf. As such, each shelf may accommodate a different range of hanging baskets sizes. The range for each shelf may be approximated by the outer and inner radius of the shelf.

When the bowl includes one or more shelves, different portions of the bowls (e.g., different wall portions or different shelves) may provide support to different pots based on the dimensions of the pot.

The stabilizing component may include one or more features that allow the bowl to exert sufficient compressive forces on the pot so that movement is reduced, minimized or eliminated.

The bowl may be constructed so that a portion of the bowl flexes outward (e.g., the bowl increases in diameter at least locally) when contacted by a hanging basket after it enters the entrance of the bowl. As the bowl flexes outward, it may apply a compressive force against the hanging basket. For example, the compressive force may be applied along a portion of the hanging basket near a bottom corner (e.g., where a side wall of the hanging basket meets a bottom of the hanging basket).

The stabilizing feature may include a plurality of protrusion from the rising from the bottom of the bowl for interacting with a ringed wall near the bottom of the pot. For example, the bowl may include a bottom portion having 30 or more flexible protrusions aligned generally vertically (preferably having a taper, and/or having generally circular cross-section) for receiving a portion of a wall of a pot (e.g., a peripheral portion of a wall of a pot (preferably, at least 4 of the protrusions are below the pot and at least 4 of the protrusions surround the pot). Preferably, the protrusions are spaced sufficiently far apart to reduce or minimize interference with the pot being supported by the bowl (preferably the protrusions are spaced apart by about 4 mm or more from the nearest protrusion, as measured from center to center). Preferably, the protrusions are sufficiently large so that they are not easily deflected (e.g., the diameter at mid-height preferably is about 2 mm or more, more preferably about 4 mm or more). Preferably the protrusions have a length (e.g., in the vertical direction) sufficient long for preventing the pot from lateral motion and/or sufficiently short for reducing contact between the bottom of the pot and the protrusions (e.g., about 3 mm or more, or about 5 mm or more, or about 7 mm or more, and/or about 25 mm or less, or about 20 mm or less, or about 15 mm or less, or about 12 mm or less).

Multiple Bowls

The tool may include one bowl, or may include two or more bowls. When provided with two or more bowls, the different bowls preferably have different sizes so that the tool can be adapted for handling hanging baskets of different size. For example, the tool may include a first bowl having an entrance having a first size (e.g., a first diameter) that is greater than the size (e.g., second diameter) of an entrance of a second bowl. When handling a relatively large hanging basket, the tool may be assembled so that the first bowl receives the hanging basket. When handling a relatively small hanging basket, the tool may be assembled so that the second bowl receives the hanging basket. When using the first bowl for handling a hanging basket, the second bowl may be attached to the pole or may be separate from the pole. When using the first bowl (e.g., an upward facing first bowl), If the second bowl is attached to the pole, the second bowl preferably is downward facing (e.g., with the pole going through the bowl). One, two or more bowls may be arranged (e.g., in a nesting manner) facing downward.

The tool may include two bowls having entrances (i.e., for receiving a hanging basket) that face in opposite directions, or that can be arranged so that the entrances face in opposite directions. The tool may include a first bowl that is attached to a second bowl. For example, a first bowl and a second bowl may share a common structure, such as a common wall, a common bottom portion, or a common connector component. Two or more bowls may be provided that are separable. The two or more bowls may include bowls that are capable of nesting together (e.g., all of the bowls may be capable of nesting together). When the tool includes three or more bowls, it is preferred that at least two bowls are capable of nesting together so that all of the bowls can be attached to the pole while using the tool. When the tool includes two or more bowls attached to the pole, it is preferable that at least one of the bowls faces downward and at least one of the bowls faces upward.

The tool preferably includes one or more features that provides resistance to impact (e.g., to the bowl, to the connection component, to the pole, or any combination thereof). For example, the bowl should be made of a material that will not crack when dropped from a height corresponding to the height of the bottom of the hanging basket. Preferably, the tool does not crack when dropped from a height of about 10 feet or more, or about 15 feet or more (e.g., onto a concrete, asphalt, stone, or dirt surface).

The tool preferably includes one or more features that provide resistance to UV light. The tool should be able to withstand the light exposure that may be experienced in a greenhouse (e.g., for a period of 1 or more years, 3 or more years, or 5 or more years) without experiencing cracking due to UV light exposure that affects the functionality of the tool. If the tool includes a material that is generally susceptible to cracking or other damage from UV radiation, the material preferably includes a sufficient amount of UV stabilizer and/or a sufficient coating so that such degradation is retarded or eliminated (e.g., for at least 1 year, at least 3 years, or at least 5 years).

The tool preferably includes one or more features that provide resistance to corrosion. The tool should be able to withstand the high temperature and humidity that may be experienced in a greenhouse (e.g., for a period of 1 or more years, 3 or more years, or 5 or more years) without experiencing cracking due to corrosion that affects the functionality of the tool. If the tool includes a material that is generally susceptible to cracking or other damage from UV radiation, the material preferably includes a sufficient amount of stabilizers and/or a sufficient coating so that such corrosion is retarded or eliminated (e.g., for at least 1 year, at least 3 years, or at least 5 years).

The material(s) for the bowl and/or the pole may be selected based on one or more of the following needs (in addition to the other needs discussed herein): a light weight tool for repetitive use, a tool that is resistant to impact (for example when dropped from a position of being vertically extended), a tool that resists UV light at levels found in greenhouses, a tool that is corrosion resistant after exposure to climates (e.g., heat and humidity) typical of a greenhouse. Materials that may be used include metals, polymers, composite materials, ceramics, and fibrous materials. It will be appreciated that the tool may include different materials for meeting different needs.

For example, the bowl may include regions formed of a first polymeric material and regions formed of a second polymeric material (preferably the polymeric materials are co-injection molded with physical, chemical, or mechanical attachment between the two materials).

Test Methods

The following are test method which may be used for characterizing one or more materials according to the teachings herein.

Coefficient of friction

Rigidity

Hardness

Impact strength

FIG. 1 is an illustrative tool for retrieving and handling hanging baskets. The tool 2 includes a bowl for receiving the pot of the hanging basket and a pole 20 for raising or reaching the hanging basket.

FIG. 2A. The bowl 10 includes one or more structural components 12 for supporting the hanging basket when it is upright and when it is angled. The bowl 10 preferably includes one or more stabilizing features or components 14 to minimize the movement of the hanging basket in the bowl. The stabilizing feature may reduce, minimize, or eliminate movement of the basket within the bowl, even when the hanging basket is tilted (e.g. to an angle of about 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, or even 45 degrees or more). For example, the bowl may be formed of a first material that is sufficiently rigid for supporting the hanging basket even when tilted by 45 degrees or more. This first material may be used for the structural component. The stabilizing feature may be formed from the same material or from a different material. For example, the stabilizing feature may include a surface formed of a second material that increases the static friction with the hanging basket (e.g., compared with the first material). A stabilizing component 14 may cover or encapsulate the structural component 12, such as shown in FIG. 2A, or may be located at one or more regions that contact the hanging basket, such as shown in FIG. 2B.

The bowl 10 preferably includes a plurality of openings in the side of the bowl, such as illustrated in FIG. 2C. The amount and size of the openings should be sufficient to allow a user to observe the hanging basket being inserted into the bowl when retrieving a hanging basket.

The tool according to the teachings herein may be employed for retrieving or otherwise handling a hanging basket having a pot such as illustrated in FIG. 3A. The hanging basket typically includes a hanger which attaches to the pot at three or more locations (e.g., along the rim of the basket). The tool preferably can be used with hanging baskets having pots of different diameters, such as illustrated in FIG. 3B. For example, the ratio of the diameter of the largest pot to the smallest pot may be about 1.1 or more about 1.2 or more, about 1.3 or more, about 1.5 or more or about 1.7 or more.

FIG. 4 is a photograph from a catalog dated June, 2015 (“Dramm Commercial Solutions, page 9) showing the use of a commercially available tool consisting essentially of a pole connected to a ring. The ring is designed to fit under the rim of a single size pot. The tool is commercially available from DRAMM CORPORATION (Manitowoc, Wis.). Each basket size requires a different ring and different height applications require different poles.

The bowl and/or tools according to the teachings herein may include one or more of the features of the components shown in FIG. 5. The bowl 10 may be formed of a structural component 12 having a plurality of vertical components 18 that connect to a horizontal component near the top of the bowl (e.g., the horizontal component may be a rim at the top of the bowl). The structural component 12 is coated with an elastomeric material to provide a non-slip surface and thus acts as a stabilizing component 14. The vertical component is generally aligned in a vertical direction but has an angle or taper that curves and forms the vertical wall structure of the bowl. When receiving a hanging basket, the vertical component may flex and then apply a compressive force to the hanging basket. The bowl may be shaped so that a small hanging basket will rest at the bottom of the bowl, whereas larger hanging baskets will be wedged along the tapered angle of the vertical component.

The bowl may have a shape include one or more of the features of FIG. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, or 6G. It will be appreciated that features from different of these figures may be combined. Preferably, the side walls of the bowl are angled. The angle may be uniform such as shown in FIG. 6E or there may be curvature (concave curvature typical of a bowl), such as illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6D, 6F, and 6G. The bowls may include one or more shelfs, such as illustrated in FIG. 6C (shown as a cross-sectional view). The number of horizontal supports components may be 2 or more, preferably about 4 or more, and more preferably is about 8 or more. The bowl preferably includes a rim near the top of the bowl. Preferably, the rim includes a reinforcement feature.

The bowl 40 may have an opening 45 (e.g., a through-hole), preferably near the bottom 44 of the bowl, such as shown in the cross-sectional drawing in FIG. 7. The opening 45 preferably includes the central axis 41 of the bowl 40. The opening 45 may be sufficiently large so that a pole 22 can be secured at one end 24 to the bowl 40. The bowl has an entrance 43 for receiving a hanging basket. The bowl has one or more side walls 42 for encircling the hanging basket. The securing of the pole may employ one or more connector components 23, 47. A connector component may be a separate component or may be integrated into a different component (such as the pole 22 or the bowl 40). The connector components may connect by any method. For example, the connector components may screw together such a pole end 23 with a threading 24 being screwed into a connector component 47 having an internally threaded bore hole 48. Similarly, a pole end 23 may have an internally threaded bore hole which is connected by a threaded screw or bolt. The pole 22 may include one or more features (e.g., a flange 27) that prevent the pole from passing through the hole of the opening 45 of the bowl 40.

The bowl 50 may include an integrated connector component 57, such as illustrated in FIG. 8. For example, the bottom of the bowl 50 may have an internally threaded bore hole 58 that is internally threaded 58. The end 24 of the pole 22 may be connected directly to the bottom region 54 of the bowl 50 (preferably near the central axis of the bowl). The connector component 57 may include or otherwise function as a stabilizer component 56. For example, the stabilizer component 56 may include a protrusion or other raised portion from the bottom 54 of the bowl 50 (preferably at or near the central axis of the bowl). Such a stabilizer component is particularly useful with a hanging basket having an indention near the base. Thus, the lateral movement of the hanging basket in the bowl 50 is limited by contact between the sides of the stabilizer component and generally vertical wall of the hanging basket.

FIG. 9A shows illustrative features of the bottom of a bowl having a raised portion 51 and a hanging basket 13 having an indent in the bottom 15. The side wall 16 of the indent 15 (i.e., located under the hanging basket) may encircle the raised portion 51. By limiting the gap between the side wall 16 of the indent and the side wall of the raised portion (see e.g., the gap in FIG. 9B), the lateral movement of the hanging basket may be restricted to approximately the gap dimension. Optionally, the raised portion may have a sufficient height (e.g., in the vertical direction) so that some or all of the weight of the hanging basket rests on the raised portion. This may result in a static friction between the hanging basket and the stabilizing component (e.g., the raised portion) so that the hanging basket does not move laterally. As discussed herein, the stabilizing component may employ one or more materials (e.g., an elastomeric polymer or other material having a high static coefficient with polymeric materials (semi-crystalline polymers or rubber toughened glassy polymers, or compounds thereof, such as polyolefins containing compounds) typically employed in hanging baskets. that increases the static coefficient. Material that increases the static coefficient (e.g., to a value higher than the hanging self-static coefficient of the material of the hanging basket) is at least on a surface of the stabilizing component that contacts the hanging basket.

A connector component may be a separate component 67 that includes a stabilizing feature 66, such as illustrated in FIG. 10. The connector component 67 may include one or more materials. For example, the connector component may include a first material that is relatively rigid (e.g., as measured by flexural modulus) for connecting to the pole 36 and a second material having a flexural modulus less than the first material, for increasing the static friction with the hanging basket.

A tool 70 may include two or more bowls 60, 60′, 60″, such as illustrated in FIG. 11. The bowls preferably are different size for receiving hanging baskets of different size. Two or more bowls may nest together, such as bowl 60 nests inside bowl 60′, and bowl 60″ nests inside bowl 60 and inside bowl 60′. The bowls may have corresponding through-openings for receiving and of a pole 46. The pole or a connector may include one or more features that prevents the rotation of the bowl after attaching to the pole. By way of example, the through-holes may be non-circular, and the pole may include a shape that mates with the shape of the through-holes so that rotation is restricted or prevented. As another example, the connector may provide sufficient compressive force to reduce or prevent rotation.

FIG. 12 illustrates the tool 70 of FIG. 11, where the multiple bowls 60, 60′, 60″ are attached to a pole 62. The entrance to each bowl is facing in a generally upward direction 71. Here, the innermost bowl 60″ is available for use. Any additional upward facing bowls 60, 60′ may be in place for storage.

A tool may be assembled with the entrance to one or more bowls facing upward and the entrance to one or more bowls facing downward. Preferably only one bowl is facing upward so that the viewing of the hanging basket as it is positioned into the bowl is not restricted. For example, the tool may include only the bowl 60′ for use in the upward facing direction 71 and the remaining one or more bowls 60, 60″ each having its entrance in the downward facing direction 73, such as illustrated in FIG. 13. Preferably the connector components allow for hand tightening and/or hand loosening so that the upward facing bowl can be changed without using a special tool. For example, the connector may include a quick release mechanism, or the tool may include one or more washers for assisting in securing the pole to the bowl.

The bowl may include one or more shelves 75 as a stabilizing component, such as illustrated in FIG. 14A, showing two shelves. When inserting a large pot (FIGS. 14A and 14B), the pot may rest on or above the top shelf. When inserting a smaller pot (FIGS. 14C and 14D), the pot may rest below the top shelf. For example, the pot may be wedged against a wall below the top shelf or may rest on a horizontal surface (e.g., a mid-shelf) between the top shelf and the bottom wall of the bowl. When inserting an even smaller pot into the bowl (FIGS. 14E and 14F), the pot may rest below the top shelf, and preferably below the mid-shelf. For example, the pot may rest on the bottom wall of the bowl or on a lowest vertical wall section.

The wall of the bowl may include a structural component 82 and a stabilizing feature 83, 83′, 83″ including a soft elastomeric material (i.e., having a flexural modulus less than the material of the structural component and/or having a Shore A hardness of about 80 or less) for providing a slip-resistant contact with the hanging basket. The stabilizing feature may include one or more of the features illustrated in FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C. For example, the stabilizing feature may be a layer over the structural component. The stabilizing feature may have a generally uniform thickness (e.g., FIG. 15C) or a thickness that varies (e.g., FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B). The stabilizing feature may include one or more peaks and/or one or more values, such as illustrated in FIG. 15A. The stabilizing feature may cover an entire surface or may cover a portion of a surface. The soft elastomeric material may be provided as a coating, an over-molding, a co-injection molding, an adhered layer, or by any method used for providing a partial or complete layer of a soft elastomeric material. Adhesion between the layers may employ mechanical bonding, and adhesive, or may result from the selection of the materials.

In one aspect, according to the teachings herein, the tool includes two bowls that are joined together with entrances that face different directions, such as illustrated in FIG. 16. The bowls preferably have different sizes for handling pots of different sizes. Preferably the bowls are molded from one or more polymers. For example, one or both bowls may be molded from a single material or may be molded (e.g., over-molding, or co-injection molding) from two different material. The two bowls may be formed at the same time (e.g., as a single structure) or may be formed as separate bowls and then attached.

FIG. 16B illustrates the dual bowl component of FIG. 16A with a pole having a connector component on an end. Preferably the dual bowl component has connector components on each side so that the pole can be attached with the entrance of either bowl facing upward.

FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of the dual bowl illustrated in FIG. 16A. The dual bowl component may have a threaded through-hole for attaching the pole to the bowls. The two bowls may share a common bottom wall. The two bowls may have diameters (e.g., at the rim, at the bottom, or both) that differ by about 10% or more, about 20% or more, about 30% or more, or about 50% or more (e.g., as measured by the difference in diameter divided by the smaller diameter). The dual bowl may have bottom walls with openings for observing the bowl contacting the hanging basket. Preferably these openings in the bottom wall are aligned. Preferably the connector component of the bowl or the pole has a feature that limits the depth to which the pole can be screwed into the threaded through-hole. The threaded through-hole preferably is at a common central axis of the bowls. The bowls preferably have rotational symmetry (e.g., about the same axis). At least a portion of the interior surface of the bowls preferably includes a soft elastomeric material. Preferably one of the bowls (more preferably both bowls) has a raised portion near the center of the bottom wall.

FIG. 18 illustrates features of the tool including a dual bowl structure. In FIG. 18, the larger bowl is holding a pot that is stabilized by one or more components of the bowl.

The two bowls of the dual bowl component may be mechanically fastened or otherwise attached, such as shown in FIG. 19.

A rim of a bowl may be reinforced, such as illustrated in FIG. 20. The reinforcement may include additional layer(s) of material. For example, the reinforcement may be sufficient to allow for the hanging basket to be supported by the rim. The reinforcement may include two spaced apart walls. Preferably each wall is a generally vertical wall. Preferably each of the two spaced apart walls extends the circumference of the rim. The spaced apart walls are preferably reinforced by a plurality of ribs connecting the inner walls. The ribs preferably are oriented in a generally vertical direction and extend in a radial direction from an inner rim wall to an outer rim wall. The ribs may be evenly spaced along the circumference of the rim. The number of ribs preferably is about 4 or more, more preferably about 6 or more, even more preferably about 8 or more, and most preferably about 12 or more.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the dual bowl component with the larger bowl facing in the upward direction. As shown in FIG. 21, the openings in the bottom wall of the two bowls may be aligned to improve the ability to view the hanging baskets.

FIG. 22 is a cut through of FIG. 16A showing the single threaded through-hole. The through-hole may be molded or formed into only one of the bowls. However, the two bowls may be attached near their respective centers.

FIG. 23 shows pots having indents in their bottoms. These indents can be used with a raised portion in the bottom of the bowl for stabilizing the pot during handling of the pot.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. As can be seen, the teaching of amounts expressed as “parts by weight” herein also contemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight. Thus, an expression in the Detailed Description of the Invention of a range in terms of at “‘x’ parts by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition” also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recited amount of “x” in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition.

Unless otherwise stated, a teaching with the term “about” or “approximately” in combination with a numerical amount encompasses a teaching of the recited amount, as well as approximations of that recited amount. By way of example, a teaching of “about 70” encompasses a teaching of 70, a teaching of 70+/−20%, a teaching of 70+/−10%, a teaching of 70+/−5%, and a teaching of 70+/−1%.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

REFERENCE NUMBERS FROM DRAWINGS

-   -   2 Tool     -   10, 10′ Bowl     -   11 Side openings     -   12 Structural component     -   13 Hanging Basket     -   14 Stabilizing component(s) or stabilizing feature(s)     -   15 Indent in the bottom of a hanging basket     -   16 Side wall of a hanging basket forming an indent     -   17 Rim and/or horizontal component     -   18 Vertical component     -   19 Horizontal component (e.g., near bottom of bowl)     -   20 Pole (preferably a telescoping pole)     -   22 Pole (preferably a telescoping pole)     -   23 Connector component at end of pole     -   24 Threading     -   26 Pole shaft     -   27 Flange     -   32 Pole     -   33 Connector portion (e.g. at distal end of pole)     -   34 Threading     -   36 Pole shaft     -   38 Flange portion of pole     -   40 Bowl formed with opening on bottom for connector/pole         attachment     -   41 Axis of bowl     -   42 Side wall of bowl     -   43 entrance of bowl     -   44 bottom region of bowl     -   45 opening in bowl for receiving pole and/or for receiving a         connector (e.g., a through-hole)     -   47 Connector component (e.g., for connecting with a connector         component on the pole)     -   48 Internally threaded bore hole (optionally a through-hole)     -   50 bowl formed with a connector component     -   52 side wall of bowl     -   54 bottom region of bowl     -   56 stabilizing feature (e.g., a raised portion near         bottom-center of bowl)     -   57 connector component (e.g., integrated into the bowl)     -   58 internally threaded bore hole.     -   60 Bowl formed with a hole in the bottom     -   62 Side wall of bowl     -   64 Bottom region of bowl     -   65 Opening in bowl for receiving pole (e.g., through-hole)     -   66 Stabilizing feature     -   67 Connector component (e.g., separate from bowl)     -   68 internally threaded bore hole     -   69 flange surface of connector component     -   70 Tool including a plurality of bowls     -   71 Upward direction     -   72 Upward facing bowl (e.g., bowl assembled for use)     -   73 Downward direction     -   74 Downward facing bowl (e.g., bowl assembled for storage)     -   75 Shelf     -   82 Structural component     -   83, 83′, 83″ Stabilizing component 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool for handling a hanging basket comprising: i. a bowl for holding the hanging basket comprising a support component that is sufficiently rigid for supporting the hanging basket while lifting and moving the hanging basket; ii. a connector component adapted for attaching the bowl to a rod so that an axis of the rod and an axis of the bowl are the same; wherein the bowl includes a rim portion near a top of the bowl, a base portion at or near a bottom of the bowl, and one or more middle portions between the base portion and the rim portion, wherein each of the one or more middle portions extend a circumference of the bowl; wherein the bowl includes a plurality of openings in the bowl for observing the positioning of the bowl around the hanging basket, including side openings on a side of the bowl.
 2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool includes a stabilizing component for a. increasing a static friction between the bowl and the hanging basket; and/or b. applying a compressive force from the bowl to the hanging basket; and a pole connected to a bottom of the bowl for reaching the hanging basket.
 3. The tool of claim 1, wherein i) the support component is molded (e.g., injection molded) from a polymeric material; and ii) the bowl has a circular circumference at the rim and at the one or more middle portions.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The tool of claim 3, wherein the support component includes a polymeric material having a secant modulus of about 100 MPa or more (as measured according to ASTM D 882 at 1% secant in the machine direction).
 6. The tool of any of claim 1, wherein the connection component is internally threaded for receiving an externally threaded end of the pole.
 7. The tool of claim 6, wherein the connection component is positioned at the center of the bottom of the bowl.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. The tool of claim 6, wherein the bowl has a central axis extending from a center of the bottom of the bowl to a center of the top of the bowl, wherein an angle between the central axis and the length direction of the pole is about 0° to about 20°.
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. The tool of claim 1, wherein a material of the bowl is resistant to impact.
 14. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool includes the pole attached to the bowl, wherein the pole is an extension pole so that the length of the pole can adjust by about 15% or more.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. A tool for handling a hanging basket comprising: i. a bowl for holding the hanging basket comprising a support component that is sufficiently rigid for supporting the hanging basket while moving the hanging basket and a stabilizing component for increasing a static friction between the bowl and the hanging basket; ii. an extension pole; and iii. a connector attached to a bottom of the bowl for connecting the bowl to the extension pole.
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. The tool of claim 2, wherein the stabilizing component and or the support component includes one or more raised portions proximate to a center portion of the bowl for receiving a pot having a bottom with a raised portion; wherein a side wall of the raised portion stabilizes the hanging basket by limiting any lateral movement of the hanging basket in the bowl.
 25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)
 27. The tool of claim 1, wherein the bowl includes one or more reinforcing components connecting and reinforcing a generally vertical side wall of the bowl with a generally horizontal wall of the base portion.
 28. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is further characterized by one or any combination of the following: i. the bowl has rotational symmetry or axial symmetry; ii. the tool includes a telescoping pole including two or more sections. iii. the tool includes a telescoping pole extending a length of about 1.5 m or more; iv. the bowl includes a stabilizing component includes a surface formed of a material having a coefficient of about 0.45 or more; v. the stabilizing component includes a surface formed of a thermoset rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer; vi. the stabilizing component includes a surface formed of a thermoset rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness of about 87 or less, preferably about 75 or less, and most preferably about 70 or less; vii. the stabilizing component includes an elastomeric polymer selected from the group consisting of a EPDM, a EPR, a SBR, a BR, isoprene, a SBS, an ethylene α-olefin copolymer (E-B, E-O, E-H), or an ethylene copolymers with an acrylate; or viii. the stabilizing component includes a surface layer that is attached to or adhered to a wall of the bowl; ix. the bowl has a generally concave interior; x. the bowl is configured to receive multiple size pots of hanging baskets; xi. an interior of the bowl has two or more generally horizontal shelves for receiving pots of different sizes; xii. the bowl has a sufficient elasticity so that the bowl opens upon contact with the bottom of the pot and exerts a compressive force on the pot at regions of contact; xiii. the bowl includes a first polymeric material having a first hardness and a second polymeric material having a second hardness less than the first polymeric material, wherein the first polymeric material has a hardness of about 87 Shore A or more, or about 90 Shore A or more; xiv. the bowl includes regions formed of a first polymeric material and regions formed of a second polymeric material; or xv. the bowl includes a bottom portion having 30 or more flexible protrusions aligned generally vertically for receiving a portion of a wall of a pot.
 29. A kit including the tool of claim 1, wherein the kit including i) two or more interchangeable bowls having different diameters; or ii) two or more interchangeable poles having different lengths.
 30. The tool of claim 3, wherein a combined area of the openings is 30% or more of the total surface area of the bowl.
 31. The tool of claim 30, wherein the tool includes 6 or more spaced apart ribs connecting an inner wall and an outer wall at the rim portion.
 32. The tool of claim 31, wherein the tool includes 4 or more spaced apart ribs inside the bowl, each connecting a bottom of the bowl with a wall of the bowl.
 33. The tool of claim 31, wherein the tool includes ribs below the bottom of the bowl.
 34. The tool of claim 33, wherein the bowl has impact resistance so that it does not crack when dropped onto a concrete surface at a height of 10 feet.
 35. A method of handling a hanging basket having a hook and holding a plant comprising steps of: placing a bowl of a tool under a hanging basket located on an overhead bowl; lifting the hanging basket from with the tool; and moving the hanging basket with the tool; wherein the tool includes a pole connected to the bowl, and the bowl has side openings for viewing the hanging basket. 